USC in Top 15 in Comprehensive Survey of U.S. Universities

In the West, USC ranks No. 3.

USC stands in the top tier of American universities, ranking No. 15 in the nation, according to a new Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education survey. Among California universities, only USC, Stanford University and Caltech crack the top 25 in the survey of more than 1,000 U.S. colleges and universities. USC was third in the Western U.S., and the result is USC’s highest ever in any overall national ranking. The survey grades universities on a comprehensive list of factors emphasizing the student experience. These include providing students with tools for success and making sure students feel challenged and engaged. The rankings also assess enrollment of a diverse and international student body, and how well alumni can pay off their loans and find satisfying, high-paying jobs. Data were collected from a variety of public sources, as well as a survey of 100,000 U.S. college students conducted by Times Higher Education in London. Here’s why USC rises to the top.

Diverse Environment

USC ranks second among the top 25 national universities in the diversity of its students and faculty. USC’s ranking in this area was boosted in part by the high proportion of underrepresented minorities (22%) and first-generation college students (13%) among undergraduates.

GRADUATES' OUTCOMES

With college student debt growing, the value of a college education is important to consider. USC stands out for its high graduation rate, academic reputation and students’ ability to pay back debt. A USC degree also significantly boosts salary.

USC’s 6-year graduation rate is 92%—more than double the national average for universities.

Average salary 10 years after a student enters USC is $66,900.

A typical USC student graduates with about $24,000 of debt, significantly less than the national average of nearly $29,000.

FEW USC ALUMNI DEFAULT ON LOANS

11.7%
Students from public universities who default on loans

6.8%
Students from private universities who default on loans

1.3%
USC students who default on loans

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

The survey also measures what students say about their academic life. USC students report that faculty members encourage them to think critically and give them learning experiences that apply in the real world.

STUDENT RESOURCES

USC scores high for its resources to help students learn. That includes the amount USC spends on teaching each student and the ratio of faculty to students, as well as how much research faculty members publish.